Under the Amazon Originals label, eight adult comedy pilots (and six kids' shows) are up in the mega Web store's Instant Video area, awaiting viewers' reactions. The most viewed and best liked, Amazon says, will go to series, just like at a real TV network.

But this is different because Amazon is giving the say to those who seek the shows out —...

Robert F. Chew Baltimore-based actor on 'The Wire' Robert F. Chew, 52, an actor and teacher who portrayed the drug kingpin Proposition Joe on the HBO series "The Wire," died Thursday of apparent heart failure in his sleep at his Baltimore home,...